We need to see and ambitious results under the Kyoto Protocol(KP) as well as LCA track to inspire increased global efforts in future. Currently, there is a crisis of confidence. Despite Cancun pledges and KP commitments, we are yet to reach there. Not that we do not have a framework for it, it exists. Unfortunately, we have not implemented it. The central problem is not therefore of enhancing ambition at the global level, but of implementing commitments as per agreed principles. Availability of technologies and financial resources iskey to these commitments as far as developing countries are concerned.

In our Process here, we should therefore address these two central issues, squarely and directly. No funds have flown to the Green Climate Fund despite three years of its creation. This is one task that must engage our greatest attention. And we need to find resources fully in accordance with the principles of the Convention. Resources need to be found and provided without casting a burden on those who are adversely affected by climate change. This is a matter of urgency.

So is the issue of technology and related IPR regime. In the absence of technologies nothing can be done to reduce emissions, even if we have the financial resources. Technologies that can quickly address this challenge are protected by IPR regime. These technologies may be commercially available but their deployment is not easy unless we create mechanisms that support faster and affordable access. The intention is not to change the IPR regime, but to support globally cooperative mechanisms that can facilitate this access.

The central issue again boils down to availability of resources that can help the Technology Mechanism in developing and facilitating transfer of technologies even while fully rewarding the innovators andthe inventor.

Finally, the issue of Equity. When we talk of Equity, it is often perceived as something opposed to ambition. This notion is completely misplaced. Most developing countries have already taken ambitious actions and internationalised them. In fact, international studies show that the impact of their action is greater than that of developed countries. It proves that Equity if supported will liberate national aspirations and help global efforts within a proper framework. Notion of Equity is rooted in historical responsibility and cannot be projected only in future. Future arrangements must be built on this principle. How can we advance an ambitious global regime in the post 2020 period if it is not anchored in Equity and does not have assurance of access to financial resources and technologies?

Now is the time to renew our commitments to implement such a rules based multilateral system that can help us both in pre-2020 and post 2020 period.

Doha Diary

Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Xie Zhenhua, head of the Chinese delegation at CoP18, Doha said today that finance is at the core of the issue -- without finance, adaptation and mitigation activities in developing nations cannot happen. There is a good news — discussions with ministers of developed nations are leading to an assurance that new finance could be announced during Doha. Mr Zhenhua refused to take names, as he believes the owner of the good news should be the one to announce it.

Presentation

Blogs

US, Equity and the Elephants in the roomSharing of the common atmospheric space has been at the core of discussions–the elephant in the room that we want to forget. It is what needs to be discussed, says Sunita Narain